Hamirpur (HP): With leaders of both major parties, the BJP and Congress having intensified their activities in Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections slated for November, sources say dates could be announced during the Navratra.
There are indications that the Election Commission may announce the election dates later this month, probably on the first Navratra that falls on September 26, they said.
This is due to the reasons that the state government is busy doling out freebies to the public through Chief Minister and other ministers in the shape of inauguration of old projects and laying foundation stones of others in all parts of the state.
On other hand, the Congress party has been demanding announcement of the election dates and enforcement of the Model Code of conduct for the elections in the state so that the BJP-led government would be stopped from making any further announcements to woo the voters in their favour.
Latest reports reaching here say that while the Congress party has finalized the names of 40 candidates out of 68 seats in the state assembly by sending one name per seat. The final announcement may be made in Delhi on September 15.
On other hand, the BJP is in no hurry to announce candidates and may take some time for the announcements as it is assessing cadre and people feedback about working of sitting MLAs and other aspirants.
The appointment of All India Vice President Sudan Singh and Devinder Singh Rana as BJP In-charge and co-in charge for Himachal elections has given the party the boost that it is not going to take these elections lightly.
Both these leaders have reached Himachal Pradesh and have been visiting different parts of the state to meet the party leaders and others there and to seek their views ahead of the key selection.
The party is going to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi, national party president JP Nadda and Union Minister Smriti Irani to address public meetings in the month of September to woo the electorate and to make the party cadre prepare for the big test.
There are indications that the Prime Minister may address the BJYM rally at Mandi instead of Sujanpur in Hamirpur due to some political reasons.
The arrival of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to honour the families of post -1947 martyrs of various wars is also an indication that the party is not going to take the elections lightly.
On other hand, the Congress party is going to invite its two top leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to the state during the elections. Priyanka Gandhi has made Shimla her home by constructing a beautiful house near Shimla.
She visits the place from time to time along with her brother and mother Sonia Gandhi for relaxation and to finalize strategies there.
The leaders of the third force, the Aam Aadmi party are also doing their best to woo the voters and have been visiting the state. Thay have big plans for education, health and civic facilities in Delhi pattern, the party leaders have said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan have visited the state not less than five times.
State government employees demand for the restoration of the old pension scheme is expected to play big role with the Congress and AAP announcing to resort to old pension scheme if they were elected.
